Douglas Laing & Co. has announced an exciting addition to their portfolio with the release of the Girvan 16-Year-Old Single Grain Scotch Whisky. This limited edition is finished in a single Merlot Red Wine Cask, marking its place as the fourth bottling in the distinguished Old Particular Red Wine Cask collection.
The Old Particular series is renowned for its meticulous selection of cask pairings, expertly chosen to enhance the inherent qualities of both Malt and Grain Scotch Whiskies. The aim is to elevate complexity and depth, offering consumers novel and enriching tasting experiences.
Bottled at a robust 48.4% alcohol strength, this exquisite whisky is distinguished further by its commitment to quality. Douglas Laing & Co. has ensured that this release is free from artificial colouring and chill filtration, preserving the whisky’s integrity. The bottle is elegantly presented with a premium red wax dip, a fitting tribute to the richness within.
As a limited release, the Girvan 16-Year-Old Single Grain Scotch Whisky stands as a testament to Douglas Laing’s dedication to craftsmanship and innovation in the world of whisky. Enthusiasts and collectors alike will undoubtedly appreciate this new entry into the Old Particular collection
Global brand design consultancy Bluemarlin has recently unveiled a comprehensive redesign of Cisk beer, one of Malta’s most cherished brands. This extensive project showcases a refreshed visual identity for the Cisk range, celebrating its rich heritage while appealing to a contemporary audience.
The redesign process commenced with the flagship Cisk Lager, renowned for its distinctive yellow branding, along with its low-calorie variant, Cisk Excel. Following the success of these initial endeavors, Bluemarlin extended the new visual system across the entire Cisk lineup, which now includes Cisk 0.0%, Cisk Pilsner, Cisk Premium, Cisk Strong, Cisk Extra Strong, and the innovative Cisk Chill range.
The challenge faced by Bluemarlin was to create a cohesive and modern look for Cisk’s diverse portfolio while preserving the brand’s iconic elements. The result is a unified range that prominently features the recognizable Maltese cross and sunray motifs across all products, from the classic yellow lager to the vibrant Chill range.
Charlie Spiers, account director at Bluemarlin, emphasized the importance of harmonizing Cisk’s rich traditions with the evolving market demands. “We had to consider the brand’s appeal across different consumer segments—from the loyal older generation, the ‘Patriots’, to the younger, more adventurous ‘Modernists’,” remarked Spiers.
Each variant is designed to reflect its unique character while contributing to an overall consistent brand experience. For instance, the newly designed Cisk Pilsner and Premium beers present a sleek gold and white palette, while the 0.0% variant employs a crisp white can to symbolize purity and lightness. In contrast, the Strong and Extra Strong beers showcase bold black and gold designs, encapsulating robustness and flavour depth.
Special attention was also given to the Cisk Chill range, which targets light, summer drinkers with its flavour variations of Lemon, Berry, and Ginger & Lime. Bluemarlin crafted a vibrant visual language for this line, incorporating lively greens and yellows that resonate with the core Cisk identity while accentuating its distinct fruity profiles.
In conclusion, the redesigned Cisk beer range embodies a strategic fusion of tradition and modernity, catering to a broad spectrum of consumers while preserving the essence of this legendary Maltese brand
In an exciting development for one of the world’s leading beer brands, Bristol-based strategic brand design agency Outlaw has undertaken the first global redesign of Peroni Nastro Azzurro’s secondary packaging since 2018. This initiative aligns with Peroni’s ambition to ascend to the ranks of the top ten beer brands globally by 2030, recognizing that packaging is a critical element of brand growth and market presence.
Historically, Peroni Nastro Azzurro’s secondary packaging adhered to traditional codes of premium branding, rendering it less visible against more striking competitors. The previous design had faltered, overshadowed even by its own launches, such as the non-alcoholic Peroni 0.0% and the ‘Stile Capri’. The new design aims to rectify this, enhancing the brand’s shelf visibility and premium perception in over 70 international markets.
Outlaw’s approach involved extensive distinctive asset research to identify the most powerful visual elements of the brand. Their findings led to the bold decision to elevate the blue ribbon – or ‘Nastro Azzurro’ – as the central feature of the new design. This elegant element sweeps across the packaging, embodying the brand’s Italian flair and creating a striking presence that enhances findability and appeal. The updated logo, referred to as the ‘Amaretti’, has been rebalanced for improved visibility while maintaining its premium essence.
This redesign not only enhances the aesthetic qualities of the product but also streamlines a global rollout process. Outlaw effectively extended the core design to include variants like Peroni 0.0% and Gluten Free, ensuring a cohesive branding strategy across diverse markets. The new packaging is anticipated to capture consumer attention and encourage trial, which is vital for Peroni’s growth objectives.
Alex Rexworthy, design director at Outlaw, succinctly captured the essence of the redesign, stating, “It was an honour to unleash the ‘Nastro Azzurro’ and send it rippling around the world.” Meanwhile, Mike O’Donoghue, global head of brand at Peroni Nastro Azzurro, expressed enthusiasm for the result, affirming its potential to resonate with consumers worldwide.
As the new secondary packaging begins to roll out across various markets, it symbolizes not just a fresh visual identity, but also a renewed commitment to standing out in a competitive landscape, inviting more consumers into the elegant world of Peroni Nastro Azzurro.
Sealed Air has introduced a groundbreaking on-demand printing system, AutoPrint, designed specifically for late-stage customisation of protective packaging. This innovative solution aims to provide logistics and fulfilment operators with a flexible and efficient means of catering to the growing consumer demand for personalised branding and messaging on packaging.
Alessandra Secchi, Executive Director of Digital Packaging Europe at Sealed Air, emphasises the increasing trend among brands and retailers to customise e-commerce packaging as a strategy to engage consumers and enhance brand visibility. The rise of social media unboxing videos has further amplified the need for distinct packaging, presenting challenges for logistics and fulfilment companies that must manage numerous design templates while efficiently handling the ordering and storage of pre-printed boxes.
AutoPrint addresses these challenges by offering a digital printing solution that seamlessly integrates into existing packaging lines. This system allows for direct printing of customised designs and information onto closed boxes, thereby minimising storage requirements and reducing waste associated with unused pre-printed materials.
Featuring a full-colour CMYK printer, AutoPrint automatically adjusts to accommodate box heights of up to 200 cm and widths of 14 cm, with side printing options available and plans to expand the printing width in the future. The system boasts an impressive capability of printing up to 15 boxes per minute, compatible with both white and brown corrugated boxes. By eliminating the need for on-pack labels, AutoPrint facilitates quick transitions between different designs, enabling operators to produce premium quality graphics, text, and barcodes that meet the evolving demands for personalised packaging.
Moreover, AutoPrint can be integrated with Sealed Air’s Brand I-Pack Automated Void Reduction Packaging system, which optimises fulfilment processes by dynamically adjusting pack sizes. I-Pack calculates product dimensions in real time to ensure that corrugated boxes are accurately sized, folded, closed, and sealed according to the specific requirements of the items being packaged.
In conclusion, Sealed Air’s AutoPrint represents a significant advancement in customised packaging solutions, empowering logistics and fulfilment operators to meet contemporary consumer expectations while enhancing operational efficiency.
Stormbrands has worked on designs for Pets at Home’s launch of Noble – a premium pet accessories brand.
n an innovative branding strategy, the agency has effectively utilized the ‘O’ in the Noble brand name as a versatile icon, reminiscent of a pendant or tag on a pet collar. This distinctive design not only enhances brand recognition but also serves as a monogram on smaller formats, symbolizing the essence of the brand identity.
The icon’s presence extends beyond mere visuals; it can be elegantly embossed or embroidered on the accessories themselves, or employed as a recurring pattern in the luxurious packaging and product wrapping. This tactile experience is further elevated by utilizing thick textured stock for labels and hangers, creating a palpable sense of discovery for consumers.
Additionally, the premium aesthetic is amplified through meticulously crafted technical illustrations, alongside striking photography and gold foil embellishments. These elements collectively invoke a sophisticated yet inviting demeanor, appealing to discerning customers.
Kristina Potts, Senior Brand Manager at Pets at Home, articulated the vision succinctly: “The creative is pitched perfectly to appeal to the next wave of younger consumers looking for pet accessories that match their values and style, as well as our core audience. The comms platform provides us with the tools to easily promote our growing range and continue to build equity and recognition in the Noble brand.”
In conclusion, the strategic integration of the brand icon alongside luxurious design elements positions Noble as a leader in the pet accessories market, resonating with both new and existing consumers by aligning with their values and aesthetic preferences. This thoughtful approach not only enhances the brand’s image but also fosters a deeper connection with its audience.
Sprite is reintroducing its iconic ‘Obey Your Thirst’ campaign, 30 years after its initial introduction in 1994.
The campaign features all-new creative with NBA All-Star Anthony Edwards and the world’s fastest woman Sha’Carri Richardson and Sprite’s first female athlete, including new packaging.
Sprite is introducing the limited-edition packaging which features four ‘Obey Your Thirst’ designs taking centre-stage, including an on-pack experience created to inspire Sprite drinkers everywhere.
Consumers can can the on-pack QR code can access ‘Obey Days’, a digital hub featuring fashion, arts, music, entertainment, and sports and more.
Brian Rogers, senior director of brand marketing for Sprite North America, said: “With the revival of ‘Obey Your Thirst,’ we’re excited to introduce this timeless message to Gen Z and inspire them to embrace their uniqueness and confidently chart their own path.”
Boost Drinks has revamped its packaging to increase shelf-appeal.
The revised pack designs feature the brand’s iconic lozenge logo with a subtle modern twist – a streamlined design approach.
Consumer testing has helped the brand craft a fresh identity which it says resonates with evolving customer preferences while maintaining its market position.
Adrian Hipkiss, commercial director, Boost Drinks, said: “The new pack designs offer an exciting new visual identity for consumers to enjoy, whilst feeling assured that they will be enjoying the same great taste and value they’ve come to know and love – and that’s what makes Boost among the top three selling brands across three functional drinks categories.”
United Dutch Breweries has worked with Canpack to produce a limited edition football-themed cans for its flagship Royal Dutch Premium Lager.
Using Quadromix can printing technology for this special edition, the classic Royal Dutch label has been replaced with a commissioned lithography.
Canpack said innovative techniques such as Quadromix significantly enhance the story-telling capabilities of beverage cans. It allows cans to be printed with up to four different designs in the same production batch.
Krystyna Rojewska, sales manager, Canpack, said: “Brand relationships with consumers are enriched by these mixed design sets because they are actively engaged with the product while it is still on the shelf as they choose their own combination of cans. The Quadromix technology is ideal for creating limited and collectible editions that boost the perception of a brand’s uniqueness.
Upfield is rolling out a plastic-free, oil-resistant paper tub – developed in collaboration with Footprint, MCC, Pagès Group, and Emsur – for its plant-based butters and spreads in a bid to replace over 25,000 tons of plastic waste every year.
Compressed wet paper fibres sourced from a PEFC-certified supplier are used to manufacture the tub, which is apparently waterproof and oil-resistant. Since it does not contain a plastic liner, it is recyclable in local paper waste streams, having received verification from a leading European recycling company.
The tub has also received Conventional Plastic Free certification and is expected to achieve home compostability certification by 2025.
Beginning in Austria with the Flora Plant brand in late 2023, the rollout will eventually apply to other Upfield brands like Rama and BlueBand. The company hopes that up to two billion plastic tubs will be replaced by 2030, and that it can achieve an 80% reduction in plastic across its portfolio within the same time frame.
“As the global leader in plant-based foods, we take our responsibility to make a positive impact on the world seriously,” said David Haines, Group CEO for Upfield. “Globally, 40% of all plastic produced is for packaging that is used once and then discarded, it is clear that the issue of plastic waste is one of the most critical facing our environment.
“When we established Upfield, innovating our way out of plastic tubs was our moon-shot and I am very proud of all Upfielders that contributed to this success.
“Consumers today demand products that benefit both people and the planet. Our plant-based butters and spreads do exactly that. We’re excited about the potential to launch this across our most iconic brands in some of our most important markets.”
Karina Cerdeira, head of Packaging for Upfield, commented: “We are proud to have created with Footprint an innovative paper-based tub that is durable, leak-proof and appealing, which many thought would be impossible with paper. But after years of dedicated focus from joint Upfield and Footprint R&D teams and dozens of prototypes, we made the impossible, possible.
“This new paper tub marks a true milestone for sustainable packaging that significantly minimizes reliance on plastic. We will continue pushing boundaries through further innovation to adapt for compostability, develop new sizes and formats, and refine towards the optimal solution. We hope what we’ve achieved inspires other businesses to keep pursuing positive change.”
“Footprint’s commitment to a more sustainable planet is showcased through our partnership with Upfield,” added Yoke Chung, co-founder and chief Technology & Innovation officer for Footprint. “The introduction of a ground-breaking solution, in collaboration with Upfield, establishes a pioneering industry standard.
“This marks the introduction of the first oil-resistant paper tub for plant-based spreads. We are proud to collaborate with Upfield on this transformative endeavour, as it resonates with our shared objective of assisting customers in realizing their sustainability goals.
“This collaborative effort underscores the transformative influence of innovation in fostering positive environmental change to shape a brighter future for everyone.”
The development comes after Flora unified its brand identity late last year. The redesign intends to capture Flora’s commitment to protecting people and the plant via its plant-based alternative to dairy butter.
Sirane has also expanded its ‘Earth Packaging’ range with a plastic-free, recyclable butter wrap made from paper, providing a range of different barrier options.
Thermal-inkjet technology aka TIJ enables one-of-a-kind, on-demand customization including consumer-engaging personalization for brands across the packaging spectrum.
Digital printing is opening new customization options for brands through unique designs, personalized messages, and variable data printing for exciting and, literally, one-of-a-kind packaged products.
In short, the power of print-on-demand enables a brand’s packaging to stand out from the pack while enhancing consumer engagement.
But there’s another world of customized personalization found in HP’s thermal inkjet (TIJ) technology. John Meiling, HP’s senior director of marketing & category management, OEM inkjet for specialty printing solutions, unpacks the technology and options for digital inkjet printing for labels and other packaging materials.
What interest are you seeing in personalization using digital printing?
Meiling: Personalization is increasingly a mainstream expectation for consumers today. And it’s not just targeted ads and email marketing strategies that need to adapt. Consumers are actively seeking out bespoke product offerings because of the value they bring. According to data from Deloitte, personalization leaders improved customer loyalty 1.5x more effectively than brands with low personalization maturity.
The stakes are high for packaging as a result. It’s no longer about transporting goods from point A to point B. Packaging has become a unique moment for brands to establish a connection by creating an emotional and meaningful experience for their consumers. This is largely in part due to the rise in ecommerce over recent years, elevating packaging’s role as the first physical touch point between the consumer and brand, causing a significant shift in packaging trends.
Brands are especially interested in digital packaging as a new way to personalize, customize, and tailor their brand experiences in a way that reflects a full spectrum of cultural contexts. This means products can be tailored to the individual tastes of each consumer. Brands can not only engage customers on a more meaningful level by boosting marketing power though attractive specialty packaging, by using HP Thermal Inkjet technology they can help to reduce maintenance costs and gain efficiencies that drive higher uptime on their packaging manufacturing processes.
Tell us about the B.a.o Candy Box point-of-purchase application (shown in the feature image above) that uses digital inkjet printing.
Meiling: B.a.o Candy Box went live in 2019 with an Afinia Label L301 Small Business Color Label Printer. Powered by HP Thermal Inkjet Technology, it prints labels at high speeds while ensuring great quality. Personalization is achieved using the Afinia Label L301’s vivid, optimized color, to create a professional label, while HP Thermal Inkjet Technology enables the printer to produce the complex, personalized shapes that the candy labels require to satisfy consumers.
Using this system, B.a.o Candy Box customers type their message into an app, preview the label, confirm, then the label is sent via Wi-Fi straight to the till where the label is displayed on a screen so that the customer can approve their label design and then it is printed automatically. The time it takes to complete the transaction is enough to print the label, which is what champions the effectiveness of this system.
The Afinia Label printer was set up in such a way that the brand could offer new products on an ongoing basis, enabling constant innovation with the upgrade to an even faster printer, which will further improve customer satisfaction.
The HP Thermal Inkjet Technology is essential for making the brand’s retail model work properly, with packaging labels printed quickly and professionally. With this unique retail experience, B.a.o Candy Box has attracted huge interest both from tourists and the local market, who have taken to social media to share their creations.HP
What can you share about a more recent application of digital inkjet printing for craft distillers that went live in 2022?
Meiling: Craft distiller customers of AT Information Products’ have seen how this print system can completely transform their production process, saving them time and money while bolstering their bottom line. Using HP Thermal Inkjet Technology to enable personalization, craft distillers have been able to optimize their brand experience by providing genuine packaging for their consumers.
AT Information Products’ Reel-to-Reel Label Printer system features multiple compact HP TIJ print heads and solvent ink cartridges. The system is durable, low maintenance, and easy for brands to use. The HP Thermal Inkjet within the system enables the addition of graphic imagery, signatures, logos, and QR codes that fulfill consumers demand for personalization and ultimately, boost profit for brands.
The combination of the two increase production speeds by as much as 2,000%, reducing the need for manual intervention, optimizing print quality on diverse substrates, and minimizing maintenance costs all while enabling distillers to achieve exclusivity value for their products. Within the process, personalized signatures can also be applied using True Type fonts, to make it look like the labels on the bottles were handwritten.
As additional data, graphics, logos, and signatures are developed, craft distillers will be able to stay nimble while optimizing print quality and minimizing costs. Focusing on adding brand value has been an important “lever” that craft distillers continue to pull to further boost bottle prices and increase profit margins.HP
What are examples of what other digital inkjet printing customers are doing?
Meiling: Back in 2017, Kmart Australia began using Afinia Label’s L301 Color Label printer, powered by HP thermal inkjet technology, to personalize Vegemite and Nutella jars at the point of sale for their holiday campaign activation. Across 214 stores, customers were able to walk in and personalize the labeling on jars of Nutella and Vegemite, creating a unique shopping experience and driving foot traffic to brick-and-mortar stores. All powered by HP’s flexible and affordable in-store printing solutions.
HP’s Fixed Imager 1000 (FI-1000) based partner printing systems are seeing fast growth, especially for short-runs and on-demand customization. New partner TICAB has integrated HP’s inkjet print engine to drive cost efficiencies for customized printing tasks on various paper packaging, including shopping bags, cartons, and corrugated boxes. The system was developed quickly in just a few months, allowing TICAB to offer its customers high-quality printing options at cost-competitive prices, from one-off items and samples to print runs of several thousand. This innovation can accommodate various personalization needs like for weddings and birthdays while offering significant value to smaller brands and businesses because paper bags typically require very high volumes per order.
What’s possible and what’s next in digital inkjet printing?
Meiling: As the world becomes more digitally connected, and consumers come to expect personalization as the norm, the market for solutions that enable customization at a mass scale will explode. In the coming years, it will be critical for brands to do more to engage with their consumers. It’s the only way to stand out in today’s crowded markets, and we are excited to help even more brands on their journey to embrace the unlimited possibilities with new and exciting packaging that brings us all closer together.
